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Former US presidents from across the political divide led tributes to Senator John McCain after his death on Saturday at the age of 81.

The Republican Senator passed away with wife Cindy and family by his side at his home in Hidden Valley, Arizona on Saturday afternoon, a day after it was announced he would not seek further treatment for glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Hours after the death of her husband, Mrs McCain wrote: "My heart is broken. I am so lucky to have lived the adventure of loving this incredible man for 38 years. He passed the way he lived, on his own terms, surrounded by the people he loved, in the the place he loved best."

Although a lifelong Republican, Mr McCain was held in high esteem by political rivals from both sides of the aisle, a rare feat in the increasingly bipartisan world of Washington.

Yet the former naval aviator will also be remembered for being a thorn in the side of President Donald Trump, who horrified many when he stated Mr McCain was not a war hero, despite being captured, tortured and held for five years in a Vietnam prisoner of war camp.

McCain was one of Mr Trump's most vociferous critics throughout his campaign and presidency.

Barack Obama and George W Bush are expected to give eulogies at a full dress funeral at Washington National Cathedral, but his family have said they do not want Mr Trump to attend. Vice president Mike Pence is expected to be present.

All five living former presidents -- Mr Obama, Mr Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter -- paid tribute to McCain's courage and character.

President George W. Bush called John McCain "a man of deep conviction and a patriot of the highest order"Credit:
UPI / Barcroft Images

"John McCain and I were members of different generations," Mr Obama said. "But we shared, for all our differences, a fidelity to something higher - the ideals for which generations of Americans and immigrants alike have fought, marched and sacrificed. We saw our political battles, even, as a privilege.

"Few of us have been tested the way John once was or required to show the kind of courage that he did. But all of us can aspire to the courage to put the greater good above our own."

Mr Bush wrote: "Some lives are so vivid, it is difficult to imagine them ended. Some voices are so vibrant, it is hard to think of them stilled. John McCain was a man of deep conviction and a patriot of the highest order."

Tributes also came from political leaders around the world, including Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron.

Prime Minister Theresa May said: "John McCain was a great statesman, who embodied the idea of service over self. It was an honour to call him a friend of the UK. My deepest sympathies go to his family, and the American people."

Members of the Honor Guard stand guard in front of A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Mortuaries Bethany Church where memorials for late U.S. Senator John McCain have been set up in Phoenix, ArizonaCredit:
CONOR RALPH/REUTERS

The six-term senator will become one of only a handful of people to lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda, a gesture reserved for the country’s most eminent citizens.

After the funeral his body will be buried at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland from where he graduated in 1958.

The White House lowered the American flag to half mast on Saturday and Mr Trump was one of the first to send his sympathies to his family.

"My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you!" he tweeted.

Mr McCain made two failed runs at the presidency during his political career, most recently in 2008 when he won the Republican nomination teaming up with Sarah Palin but eventually losing out to Mr Obama.

My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you!